Garmin inReach Mini Orange (010-01879-00)

I was surprised at how easy the device was to set up and how easy it is to use. I found the operating system and phone apps to be very intuitive. Even texting using the device is quite easy. All of our messages were sent within a few minutes and it registered all responses from our recipients. It tells you if the signal is not good due to trees or other obstructions. We are very pleased with our purchase and will now take it on every hike and long distance mountain bike ride.

The InReach mini fills the gap in my emergency communications system. I sometimes need to conatct loved ones or transport providers when backpacking in remote country. I also appreciate the plan option that allows monthly suspension of the service. This keeps my costs down. Great device

Have had a PLB for many years, which always was there if the worst were to happen. That still did not help when there was no mobile phone service, as the need to have simple text communication was not an option with a PLB, and Satellite phones or the SPOT devices where either too expensive to purchase and/or to operate and/or did not quite fit my needs. The Garmin inReach Mini resolves these problems. Whether i'm hiking with my friends or shadowing a group of Scouts or Duke of Ed participants, the ability to send simple text messages, or leave a bread crumb trail for my family (and parents of the kids in my charge) to follow back home on their phone or PC is very convenient for me, and comforting for a lot of parents :). Of course, the ability to push a button to summon help but also "talk" to the rescue centre is an amazing ability which leaves in my case the standard PLB far behind. With the inReach Mini able to be (bluetoothed) with my mobile phone (iPhone) and Garmin GPSMAP 66st, I have a very capable navigation, communication and emergency platform to support me, when out in the bush. While there is a subscription required, pricing now is at a realistic and therefore affordable level, making the inReach Mini a no brainer to add to my communication and safety equipment.

Best piece of kit Ive ever bought. I bought my inreach mini for a motorcycle trip I did from Brisbane to Lake Eyre and down to the Flinders Ranges. We did 5000km in 14 days and the inreach tracked every moment. Also gave me piece of mind if I got into trouble the SOS emergency services would know exactly where I was. I kept in contact with my family with the messaging service which was good for them and they could see where I was with the shared tracking map via the inreach website. Also when we got separated the other riders could check where each other was and send messages if needed. In the 14 days I think I charged it 3 times so battery life is sensational. I had it sending tracking points ever 10mins and it was always Bluetoothed to my phone for messages. I was also surprised at where it worked. One occasion I was indoors in a valley in the Flinders Ranges and it still received a message via satellite. If your thinking of safety and ease of use this is definitely the thing to get.

I was recommended to purchase the Inreach mini over other devices based on the cost, reliability and two-way texting capability. It’s an excellent device that will confidently last a good week when used normally. I would definitely recommend this device and retailer.